It doesn't need 50 passes a game, five receivers or a no-huddle signal caller. It needs 50 runs a game, three workhorse running backs, and an offensive line to get the job done.

Point Pleasant Beach has just that. It's 7-0, too.

It will test its 7-0 record at noon Saturday at Keyport (6-1).

In a game with Class B Central and state playoff implications, head coach John Wagner knows he needs to keep his team focused.

"From the beginning of the season, I've never looked at it any other way," Wagner said. "You have to have the kids believing and understanding that you have to take it one week at a time. The oldest cliche in the book."

While the saying may be one of the most trite phrases in sports, week-in and week-out teams fall victim to upsets.

Last weekend, Brick Township knocked off Toms River North, and the week before that, Red Bank shocked Neptune.

Point Pleasant Beach is no different. Last weekend, Highland Park had its upset bid brewing after a touchdown tied the game, and a fumble on the ensuing kickoff had the Owls knocking inside the 30-yard line.

"Well, here we are," Wagner said during his team's early struggles. "We were able to overcome that, and the game took care of itself, but things can happen."

Keyport has rallied to six-straight wins and is not looking to play spoiler against Point Pleasant Beach.

With a 41-0 win against Keansburg last week, Keyport is playing its best football when it needs to be.

The offense features a versatile attack with quarterback Alex Thomson, whose athleticism can extend plays and create difficult scenarios for defenses in the red zone. The running game has picked up, too, with Johnny Olsen, who has back-to-back 100-yard performances.

While Keyport hopes for a strong performance on the ground, Point Pleasant Beach expects it.

The wing-t formation which has brought so much success this season features a three-back rotation featuring Dan Tighe, Kyle Samaritano, and Andre Cochran.

While the trio has taken much of the praise this season, it pay its respect to the big men upfront.

A trio closing in on a 3,000-yard season starts up front. From left to right, the line features Tim Morris, Quinn Kusma, Sean Struncius, Lucas Jordy, and Tommy D'Amore.

The unit will have to combat Keyport's three-man line.

"Their nose tackle is pretty big," Morris said. "Their ends are about the same size and pretty quick. I'll need to be aggressive and real tough."

If Point Pleasant Beach's line opens the lanes it has all season for its three talented backs, expect the Garnet Gulls to roll the way they have all season.
Point Pleasant Beach 42-20.